Mr. David Robinson Piper

September 7, 1940 - July 4, 2018

David R. Piper, 77, of Asheville passed away at 10:00 PM on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center due to complications of cancer. A native of Hartford, CT, David was the son of the late Philip and Gertrude Mary Robinson Piper. Dave was also preceded in death by his brother, Philip R. “Skeet” Piper. Dave graduated from Lycoming College in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and went on to the University of New Haven, CT where he obtained his Masters in Organizational  Industrial Psychology in 1986. Some of the work that Dave had been most proud of included: Volunteer Fire Dept. Preston, CT  (1966-1980); Emergency Medical Services Instructor (1970-1980); Special Education Teacher Old Stonington, CT; Teacher Preston Plains Junior High; General Dynamics Electric Boat Division/ Ships Test Operations Engineer (1977-1995); Naval Nuclear Lab, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site; Asheville Easter Seals UCP Director (2003-2005) and Davidson Homes Director of Operations (2008- 2018). “My passion has always been the desire to help others. I have found so much pleasure in sharing experiences and knowledge and watching the "lights go on.” Teaching, training, instructing, publishing a book, working with the intellectually and developmentally disadvantaged, and providing tools for others have contributed to my sense of accomplishment.”-DP Dave made the United States Olympic team for canoeing. He also enjoyed scuba, spelunking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, exploring the Arctic and Galapagos Islands. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Christine Nicholson Piper, whom he married in Windsor, CT, on March 30, 1968; five children, Sean, Scott, Keith, Dawn Piper Hubbard and Bethany Piper; daughters in law, Shelly, Jennifer and Diane; son in law, Matthew Hubbard; nine grandchildren, Jayden, Rowan, Hannah, Jackson, Elijah, Brook, Seth, Kyle and Chad. He is also the loving Uncle to John, Janet, Tim, Wendy, Ryan and Tim. Dave is also survived by his best friend, Walter Anderson, who he enjoyed camping, fishing and all things outdoors with. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Pastor Brian Peterson will be officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Dave's favorite charity, Friends Across NC-Fun Shine, Lucy Wilson, 264 Lodge Cabin Lane, Burnsville, NC 28714. Working with the mentally challenged was Dave's passion which he was involved in all his adult life.